Word
toddler
Phoneticstod·dler, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɑdɫɝ/
UK/tˈɒdlɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a young child who has recently learned to walk, usually between one and three years old.
n. a child in the early stage of development, specifically between infancy and preschool age, who is beginning to walk independently.
Examples
“The toddler is playing with wooden blocks on the floor.”
“The park has a separate play area designed specifically for toddlers to ensure they can play safely away from older children.”
“Child psychologists often study the transition from infancy to the toddler years, focusing on the rapid acquisition of language and the development of independent motor skills.”
Examples
simple
“The toddler is playing with wooden blocks on the floor.”
contextual
“The park has a separate play area designed specifically for toddlers to ensure they can play safely away from older children.”
complex
“Child psychologists often study the transition from infancy to the toddler years, focusing on the rapid acquisition of language and the development of independent motor skills.”
Usage
often used to describe the specific needs or behaviors of children in this age group.
Teaching tip
Learners often confuse 'toddler' with 'baby' (infant) or 'child' (general); emphasize that 'toddler' specifically refers to the walking-learning stage.
Etymology
From toddle (“to walk unsteadily”) + -er – literally “one who walks unsteadily”, hence a young child.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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